Hannah Barnes reinstated as winner of IG London Nocturne

Hannah Barnes has been reinstated as winner of last weekend’s IG London Nocturne Elite Women’s Criterium after a review by the British Cycling Race Commissaires panel.

Laura Trott (Wiggle-Honda) was announced as the race’s winner on the night, but subsequently pictures emerged of Barnes crossing the line ahead of Trott. On Thursday, organiser of the event, Face Partnership, put out a statement saying that Barnes had been relegated to second behind Trott after she “contested the sprint dangerously” by raising her arms in celebration.

A public outcry ensued, with British international sprinter Mark Cavendish commenting via Twitter: “Reading about [Hannah Barnes] getting demoted to 2nd in that #IGNocturne race. Is it true it was for celebrating the win?! Disgraceful if so”.

Barnes told Cycling Weekly on Friday, before the decision was reversed: “Honestly, people make mistakes. It’s life. How we’ve ended up in this situation, I don’t know. It is not great, but what has happened has happened. I’m not angry about the situation.”

Barnes’ MG-Maxifuel team lodged an appeal with British Cycling, and the review was concluded in their favour.

“Race officials have reviewed the sanction imposed on Hannah Barnes. The sanction has been moderated from relegation to a reprimand,” said a statement issued by Face on Saturday. “The Elite Women’s Criterium photofinish result therefore stands: 1st Hannah Barnes; 2nd Laura Trott.”

MG Maxifuel added: “Hannah and the team are truly touched by the huge support they have received from fans everywhere on this matter and would like to thank the officials involved, the event organisers Face Partnership and British Cycling for their support.”

Rochelle Gimore of Trott’s Wiggle-Honda squad said: “We were delighted with what we understood was a narrow win for Laura Trott, but on discovering that Hannah Barnes had crossed the line first, we felt the decision to relegate her was harsh. We totally accept the reversal of this decision and offer our full and sincere congratulations to Hannah for an excellent win.”

Yep, should have pulled the lapped/dropped riders, organisers/officials made it dangerous not Barnes, Trott or any of the riders.

Ken Evans

Unfortunately I doubt BC or UCI would agree to my proposal to cull lapped riders, to speed up Darwinian evolution, or even allow a giant fishing net to sweep up slow riders.

lee

Surely not too difficult to have a photo finish camera at the finish is it….. and deffo not a dangerous spring. Shame she didnt get to enjoy the win on the night and why did it take so long to sort out…. disappointing for womens racing really.

Paulo

Having seen the highlights, how were the back markers allowed to be on the course at that time. It’s clear to see one rider riding up the middle of the road at the finish. They should have been pulled out once the leading group was approaching the finish. Awful officiating

barry davies

Will the name of the BC Official who made the stupid decision be released ???